Good full body suit for keeping warm, with some buoyancy
Former Member
I live in South Florida and when it starts to get a little cold (60-70) I find it hard to swim my best performance. Even if I get myself mentally psyched I notice I swim slower and have worse form.
So in preparation for winter this year I am looking to find a full body suit which can help me keep a bit warmer. A great secondary thing would be for it to have a bit of buoyancy so I could see what an effect it has on my posture and performance.
I've looked at a bunch of 'technical' suits online, but there are so many I'm finding it difficult to pick the right one.
And the biggest problem I have is that I cannot find any places in South Florida which sell these so I can try one out in person before I buy it. Places like Ron Jon Surf shop have full body suits, but I believe those are more for surfers and I would probably have a hard time swimming properly in them.
I swim 2-3 times a week, most of the time in an outdoor chlorine pool, doing mostly freestyle and breaststroke.
I don't really need an expensive suit that costs a few hundred dollars to shave off a few seconds, and I don't plan on doing any competitions in the near future (At least the next year or so) - though if the suit I bought was competition-allowed that would be a slight plus.
If anyone could give me advice I'd really appreciate it.
Also, if I can't find a good local store, has anyone had success with buying a suit online and having it actually fit?
Thanks!
Former Member
Did you see the wetsuit reviews in Swimmer an issue or so back? I would think that would be a great place to start. Issues such as fit, warmth and buoyancy were all discussed.
Here is the youtube video that accompanied the issue: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M5fQJLUROo
Most races will not allow wet suits when the water is as warm as Fla is most of the time. As far as practice, look into swim outlet com or other swim sites .
Did you see the wetsuit reviews in Swimmer an issue or so back? I would think that would be a great place to start. Issues such as fit, warmth and buoyancy were all discussed.
Try the Xterra wetsuits. I believe their Vortex is on special now for 60% off if you google for the coupon (or just call; they may give the price to you). The company is very open to letting you try on and swap sizes if needed.
I went with the no sleeve version originally, but was getting water coming in so I swapped for the L/S, then swapped sizes again and they were very cooperative each time.
It's very buoyant in the legs ... so much so in the ocean my feet come out of the water at first. Very fast compared to no wetsuit.
I'd say with the 200 open water swimmers I see here in SB each week, at least half are wearing Xterras.I have an Xterra Vortex sleeveless and LOVE it. When I got my first wetsuits, I used long sleeve, but found them too constrictive. Then, I switched to the sleeveless and find it a way better suit to race in. I love the extra feeling of freedom / less shoulder constriction with the sleeveless, plus I find that the warmth is just fine even without the sleeves.
Try the Xterra wetsuits. I believe their Vortex is on special now for 60% off if you google for the coupon (or just call; they may give the price to you). The company is very open to letting you try on and swap sizes if needed.
Thanks, Kip. I just bought one. $201, including shipping, for the full sleeve. I was going to schlep around and try on suits, but all I really need is an entry-level model so I can try to extend my open-water season. This was too good a deal to pass up!
Former Member
Try the Xterra wetsuits. I believe their Vortex is on special now for 60% off if you google for the coupon (or just call; they may give the price to you). The company is very open to letting you try on and swap sizes if needed.
I went with the no sleeve version originally, but was getting water coming in so I swapped for the L/S, then swapped sizes again and they were very cooperative each time.
It's very buoyant in the legs ... so much so in the ocean my feet come out of the water at first. Very fast compared to no wetsuit.
I'd say with the 200 open water swimmers I see here in SB each week, at least half are wearing Xterras.
